Federal order keeps oil pipeline closed

A federal order now prohibits the Enbridge company from reopening its crude oil pipeline until a comprehensive safety assessment has been accepted by government authorities.

Roland Stoy

A federal order now prohibits the Enbridge company from reopening its crude oil pipeline until a comprehensive safety assessment has been accepted by government authorities.

It was unclear on Thursday how far the oil had traveled in the Kalamazoo River, with some reports saying up to 35 miles. Other reports estimated the spill up to over a million gallons, but that state environmental officials do not believe it will reach Lake Michigan.

Many reports over the past few days have been conflicting.

Enbridge will be required to develop and implement an integrity verification and remedial work plan, according to U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, who said he is ready to hold “their feet to the fire” over the spill.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to ensure all resources are available to protect public health and the environment.

The smell of crude was obvious Wednesday on Old 27 heading into Marshall near the Moonraker establishment south of the city.

Some Enbridge operations along Talmadge Creek, where the apparent rupture of the 50-year-old pipeline took place, were observed, as well as efforts to contain the spill where the creek empties into the Kalamazoo River.

Photographers were prohibited from getting within 100 yards of the operations, because “It will make you sick.”

Enbridge men testing further downstream along the river also were courteous, but could not provide any information about the operations, as per company orders.

Oil was on the surface, and bubbling up from the bottom.

Ron Bacon of Enbridge identified himself, at the center where operations to clean wildlife were being set up.

He said Enbridge was taking over the cleanup, and as they were preparing, they were turning many people away because “They do not have experience in this.”

Elsewhere on the south side of Marshall, a tent was set up at Crossroads Church and Ministries, 717 N. Old 27, stocked with towels and cleaning materials, and a man talking with an aide to state Sen. Mike Nofs said there was a “rogue” group out trying to save animals.

Steve Sachs said like Schauer, Nofs is angry over the matter.

Connie Wolfersberger lives in Jackson now, but was born and raised by the Kalamazoo, and was on a bridge over the river Wednesday with daughter Liza.

“This is just awful,” she said, and as she gazed at the water below she fought back tears.

Said Jeannie Mathie, who had planned for a demonstration Wednesday that didn't happen, “This makes me sick.”

A demonstration is planned for 5 p.m. tonight on Old 27 just south of the city, and a candlelight vigil is planned for 7 p.m. on Saturday at the circle monument downtown, according to information on Facebook.